Viewing Distance Discussion Thread

I'm thinking of getting the Pioneer 428, but feeling a little hesitant because at a resolution of 1024x768, it's not even considered a HD-ready display. I know that there's more to a good picture than just pixels, and the Pioneer Kuro range is known for deep blacks and vibrant colours. But surely the number of pixels has to count for something, especially when the Pioneer plasmas cost so much more?

This is a good sign, all my efforts to spread the message are getting some results...

Write in to them and tell them!

hi pete, not sure what your views ar. as in, you agree with DL that only about 46inch and above that can tell difference, or you agree with Kristy Tan (who disagree with DL's view above)?

I read through some of your links in the "stickies" section, got quite good (but very technical and cheem) write ups on HD ready v Full HD - those views tend to agree with the DL view - that generally, only at very big size, then can see difference.

Some more, if the SOURCE is not full HD, then full HD also no sure right, no matter how big?

I REFER to the article, 'Finally, the truth about high-definition' (June 3).
The article claims that when one buys a new television under 46 inches, one cannot discern the difference between full high definition (HD) and HD-ready resolutions. While I laud the writers' efforts to dispel a lot of marketing hype on new full-HD TVs, especially in smaller sizes, they miss a crucial point: viewing distance.
As a rule of thumb for optimum TV viewing distance, the nearest seating position should be limited to about twice the screen width (more precisely, 1.54 times the screen width), and the furthest distance should be no more than five times the screen width. Furthermore, the eyes should be level with the middle of the screen when one is seated in a normal viewing position.
In addition, the content shown, whether standard definition such as from free-to-air channels or HD from a Blu Ray disc, also matters.
The new buyer of any technology is strongly advised to do a little homework, perhaps visit local forums online such as www.xtremeplace.com, or www.hardwarezone.com.sg for forums discussing buying a new TV. In this way, the buyer can sieve out marketing hype perpetuated by retailers and get the right TV at a good price to meet his needs. Ever since the Government proclaimed a rollout of HD in Singapore, dissemination of information by the authorities has been slow and piecemeal, if it exists at all. For the transition to full HD not to stall and die a premature death, the dissemination of information to the man in the street is so important. This should be followed by more comprehensive programming that is readily available free to air for everyone to enjoy. We exalt ourselves as a tech-savvy nation, and we should demonstrate this in an everyday matter such as TV.

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